Joint replacement diagnosis questioned

While the number of joint replacements, continue to climb, the outcome of these procedures are not always successful. In a recent study out of Canada, researchers found that only half of patients undergoing a total joint arthroplasty had a good outcome.1

This study looked as patients with hip and knee arthritis aged 55 and older who had a total joint replacement. They assessed pain level and mobility and found the outcomes to be less than satisfactory.

The researchers noted that people with the more severe pain, only one affected joint, and fewer health problems tended to have better outcomes.

In a press release talking about the study, author Dr. Gilliam Hawker was quoted saying, “While demand for joint replacement surgery has increased as our population ages, physicians lack a set of established criteria to help determine what patients will benefit from surgery and at what point during the course of the disease. As physicians, we need to do a better job of targeting treatments to the right patient at the right time by the right provider.”

joint replacement diagnosis questioned

With the number of people undergoing such a permanent surgery, proper criteria indeed needs to be established and implemented before undergoing surgery. While many physicians do try conservative treatments, these treatments, just as most surgeries, miss the root cause of joint pain: underlying ligament and tendon injury.

The advantage of seeking a Prolotherapy doctor as a second opinion for knee and hip osteoarthritis is that a physical examination is a part of the initial exam. Much can be determined by a physical examination. For example, ligament and tendon injuries are easily picked up with a physical examination. A Prolotherapist can also test for strength, stability, range of motion, and any crepitation (crunching sensation). All of these factors indicate whether or not a person is a suitable Prolotherapy candidate. While joint replacement is certainly needed in some instances, many of them can be avoided with Prolotherapy.